Robert Vernon DeGroote, 95

Robert Vernon DeGroote, age 95, was born January 1, 1931, in Butler County, Iowa, the son of Thomas and Kobey (DeBuhr) DeGroote. He received his education at Country School Albion #5 and graduated from Parkersburg High School in 1948.

Bob was born again on February 14, 1952, through II Corinthians 4:3-4. He was in fellowship at the Stout Gospel Hall for 74 years.

On March 5, 1952, Bob married LaVonne Mae Sell in Waterloo. Bob and LaVonne farmed together northeast of Parkersburg until retirement. 

He served in the U.S. Army during the Korean Conflict and was sent to Hof, Germany for 15 months. He was honorably discharged with the rank of Corporal in 1954. 

He will be lovingly remembered by his family for his quick sense of humor, his enjoyment for restoring antique tractors, hunting and spending time outdoors. His life was a testimony of faith and Godly character, which he lived out as an example each day.  He appreciated hard work and above all cherished the time spent with his family who brought him much happiness and joy. 

Bob passed away on Tuesday, February 10, 2026, at Creekside Living Cottages & Villa’s in Grundy Center, Iowa. He was preceded in death by an infant daughter; great-grandson, Hudson Hayes; parents; and two brothers, Thomas Jr. and Harlan.

Bob is survived by his loving wife, LaVonne of 73 years of Parkersburg; a son, Duane (Marie) DeGroote of Parkersburg; a daughter, Linda (Sid) Hayes of Dike; five grandchildren, Melody (Dan) Massoth of Shell Rock, Rick (fiancée, Kayla Johnson)DeGroote of Parkersburg, Ryan (Cristina) Hayes of West Liberty, Dustin (Kristal) Hayes of Dike, and Joel (Ashley) Hayes of Holland; 16 great grandchildren; and a brother Gary (Norma)DeGroote.

Funeral Services were held at 10:30 a.m., Saturday, February 14, 2026, at Stout Gospel Hall, in Stout, with Ryan Hayes, Dustin Hayes and Joel Hayes officiating and John Tolsma and Mark Haan serving as Ushers. The Congregation sang hymns, “Face to Face”, “When We Reach Our Peaceful Dwelling” and “In The Sweet By And By”. The burial was held at Oak Hill Cemetery in Parkersburg with Rick DeGroote and Dan Massoth officiating, Kael Richmond, Bryer DeGroote, Logan Hayes, Evan Hayes, Ian Hayes and Ethan Hayes, serving as Casketbearers and Parkersburg American Legion, Post #285 provided full Military Rites. 

Visitation was held 9:00 a.m. to 10:30 a.m., February 14, 2026, at the Stout Gospel Hall in Stout.